“Not much changes for us, we have three big games on the road and we need to be ready defensively for all of them.”

Pople’s comments come despite the Roller Hawks boasting the best defence in the league, giving up just 49.8 points per game.

“Our offence takes care of itself. We have plenty of good players in key positions to make the play.”

“Defence is so important for us because we tend to have lapses. The focus on defence is to have less lapses, less break downs and less points for them.”

The round augers as an important one in the NWBL which has enjoyed a two week break to allow for the long weekend and players away on national duties.

Nick Scott returns to the Roller Hawks side, fresh off his bronze medal winning performance with the Australian Spinners at the Under 23 World Cup while Hannah Dodd also returns having just toured with the Australian Gliders.

In other games, Kilsyth are expected to move up the ladder this week as they take on the winless Thunder. The Cobras have played just 5 games so far this season (the least of any team along with Queensland) and thus currently find themselves in fourth place.

Meanwhile the Red Dust Heelers and Perth Wheelcats will meet in a local derby across three games in Western Australia.